Robert Adaway was reported missing from Thurso, Caithness, on 9 June 1982 – his 18th birthday.
Robert had recently left Thurso High School and was due to study at Glasgow University later in 1982. He was described as solitary but had several close friends and was keen on music and sports. He was often seen walking in the Thurso area with the family dog.
Robert’s mother saw him at home in Princes Street early on Wednesday 9 June and he was seen several times in Thurso by friends and relatives. There were further possible sightings over the next few days at various places across the Caithness area, many near roads which could mean Robert was hitch-hiking.
Northern Constabulary searched in and around the Thurso area during 1982, including the coastline and quarries. Road, rail and sea routes in Caithness were also checked but Robert has still not been found. He would now be aged 54.
Robert was described in 1982 as 5 foot 11 tall (180cm), slim build, wearing a brown polo-neck jersey, dark corduroy trousers, red socks, brown shoes and possibly a blue parka jacket with a hood. Some of the possible sightings also mentioned a rucksack or similar bag.
Inspector Gavin Smith of the Police Scotland Missing Person Unit said, “Robert Adaway was a young man when he went missing from Thurso. Although that was over 30 years ago the investigation will stay open until we resolve it, no matter how long that takes.
Police Scotland consulted with the National Crime Agency UK Missing Persons Unit and will continue to work with local officers in Caithness to follow up any potential lines of enquiry which could help find Robert.
The Police is asking “anyone with information about what happened to Robert in 1982 – or any time since then – to contact Police Scotland on 101, or the Missing People Charity on 116 000.”
